Blaenycwm Primary School pupils have helped transform part of their school grounds into a new orchard, supporting outdoor learning, biodiversity and community wellbeing.
The project was delivered through the Local Places for Nature programme, a Welsh Government funded capital grant scheme which helps communities across Wales create nature on their doorstep.
The school, based in Brynmawr, received a School Orchard Package designed to involve pupils and the wider community in growing and harvesting fruit while creating new habitat for wildlife. The package included 15 fruit trees, 320 native bulbs, habitat kits, a recycled plastic picnic bench, a water butt, hand tools and information resources.
Pupils in Years 3 and 4 took part in planting native bulbs, completing a habitat survey and planting the new trees. They also learned about tool safety, teamwork and the role orchards can play in supporting wildlife such as minibeasts, bees and butterflies.
Following an assembly about the orchard and its environmental benefits, pupils created labels for the trees, including information about when the fruit can be harvested, what it tastes like and whether it is best used for cooking or eating. Year 2 pupils also took part in a rock painting workshop, creating minibeast designs to be placed near the trees.
The project is expected to benefit around 150 people who will be able to see or use the new orchard. Two volunteers supported the installation, and 29 pupils attended education sessions as part of the project.
Head Teacher, Mrs Sarah Oliver-Brynant said: “The area has been totally transformed. Our pupils have had the opportunity to learn new skills as well as embed what they already know with the planting and caring for the fruit trees. They will also be able to monitor growth and fruit yield in the future. The project has enhanced our outdoor learning curriculum and developed pupils’ awareness of how to look after their environment, including how to grow and care for plants, fruit and vegetables.”
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Cabinet Member - Children, Young People & Families said: “It is fantastic to see pupils at Blaenycwm Primary School playing such an active role in creating a greener, more welcoming space within their school grounds. Projects like this help young people connect with nature, learn practical skills and understand the importance of protecting biodiversity in their local community. The new orchard will be a lasting resource for the school and wider community for years to come.”
One pupil said: “I enjoyed planting because it will make our school nicer and we will get more bees and butterflies.”
Another pupil added: “Planting is important to help our environment.”
The orchard forms part of the school’s wider work to support community wellbeing, outdoor learning and environmental awareness. Going forward, the school hopes to involve members of the local community and invite nearby primary schools to take part in the orchard’s development.
The project also included a water management bolt-on, which has helped improve drainage and access at the school’s forest school field gazebo and an additional area for tables and benches. These improvements mean the spaces can be used more easily in wet conditions and have created further opportunities for pupils to develop practical, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
